The Inn of the Hills is part of a collection of fine hotels operated by 1859 Historic Hotels, Ltd., a pioneer in hospitality for the past century.

The casual elegance of the Inn of the Hills was influenced by the Swiss heritage and European hospitality experience of the previous owners, Hans and Annemarie Schlunegger.

Hans, whose father was an innkeeper in Elgg, Switzerland, dreamed of becoming a master chef. In 1950, after completing a cook's apprenticeship, he worked as a chef at several famous hotels in Norway, Sweden, and in Switzerland. In 1956, he met Annemarie in Zurich, where they studied together at Belvoir Park, a prestigious college for hotel management. In 1959, Hans joined the staff at the Olympic Westin Hotel in Seattle, Washington. Hard work and resolve drove him up the culinary ladder to the Rice and Warwick hotels.

The move to Kerrville occurred in 1969, when Hans and Annemarie leased the Food & Beverage operation at the Inn of the Hills. They quickly built a long list of loyal customers. Hans credits their sustained success to Annemarie. "She has this unique gift for making our guests feel content and comfortable."

After the Inn of the Hills sold in 1972, the couple moved to the other side of town and founded Annemarie's Alpine Lodge Restaurant, which they operated for twenty-years. When the Inn of the Hills became available for purchase in 1993, the Schluneggers moved "back home," completely renovating the hotel and returning it to its landmark status.

In later years, Hans and Annemarie shifted the Inn's primary management to their three children, Marian, Kurt and Ueli. Kurt and Marian graduated from the University of Houston with degrees in Hotel Management, and Ueli's education was in architectural engineering.

The Schluneggers sold the Inn of the Hills to 1859 Historic Hotels, Ltd., in 2006, and the company continues the tradition of old-world charm, along with the legendary hospitality for which it has become famous.